“Menowashing” & the Supplement Boom

A recent article in Stuff highlights the growing phenomenon of “menowashing” — the surge in marketing and supplement-driven products aimed at menopause or midlife wellbeing. The piece cautions that many of these products ride on hype rather than rigorous scientific validation.

For actors, influencers, and public personalities in New Zealand — especially those represented by agencies or working in spotlighted roles — this trend isn’t just about personal health. It raises broader questions about brand integrity, public influence, and wellness-minded professionalism.

In this context, Niki Bezzant — a highly respected New Zealand journalist, author and health-wellbeing commentator — offers a grounded voice. As someone who’s spent decades translating complex medical and nutritional science into practical, approachable guidance, her perspective is especially valuable for creatives navigating health, perception and public image. 

What Niki Bezzant & the “Menowashing” Conversation Tell Us

Be skeptical of bold claims. As Niki often points out, marketing terms like “hormone-balancing”, “natural remedy”, or “miracle supplement” rarely carry the weight of clinical evidence. 

Health and wellness should be evidence-based. According to Bezzant’s writing and public speaking, true wellbeing comes from informed lifestyle choices — not trend-driven products. 

Public-facing individuals have extra responsibility. Actors and influencers hold visibility and influence — promoting unverified supplements or lifestyle trends can risk both personal health and professional credibility.

Wellbeing influences performance. For performers, mental and physical health aren’t just private matters — they’re essential to sustained creative output, energy, reliability, and longevity in the industry.

Why This Matters to NZ Actors, Influencers & Talent Agencies

Brand Integrity & Reputation Management
Actors and influencers often sign with agencies, work with brands, or maintain public profiles. Participating in or being associated with wellness trends like “menowashing” — without clarity around risks and evidence — can harm long-term reputation.

Professional Wellbeing & Work Readiness
Roles demand energy, presence, often unpredictable hours, and physical/mental resilience. Dependence on unverified supplements may compromise consistency, rather than support it.

Audience Trust & Influence
Especially for influencer-style careers or public-facing roles, audiences value authenticity and honesty. Choosing to promote science-backed health and lifestyle practices — or to speak publicly about wellbeing in a responsible way — builds trust.

Access to Expert Insight
With professionals like Niki Bezzant active in NZ’s wellness and media space, there’s access to credible, researched advice on health and ageing. Talent who prioritise long-term wellbeing can benefit from such guidance.

What NZ Actors & Influencers Can Do — A Responsible, Balanced Approach

Exercise critical thinking before adopting wellness trends. Scrutinise supplement claims, check for scientific backing, and when in doubt, consult a qualified health professional.

Prioritise holistic health habits. Sleep, nutrition, exercise, mental wellbeing, rest — they remain the most reliable foundations for performance and longevity.

Be transparent if you discuss or share wellness content publicly. If you mention personal use of supplements, clarify what’s anecdotal vs what’s evidence-based.

Leverage credible voices for health advice. People like Niki Bezzant offer well-researched, responsible insight on midlife health and wellness — useful for anyone in the creative industries.

Balance public persona and private wellbeing. Think long-term about lifestyle and reputation — and let health decisions support sustainable career growth, not just short-term trends.

https://www.collaborate.co.nz/speakers/view/Niki_Bezzant